Yesterday I tried Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner for the second time. I previously did a small patch test last week to see if my sensitive skin reacted to it. I’m pleased to say no allergic reactions flared up, so I feel a little more confident now using the cream all over.
Firstly, let me explain a bit about Skinny Tan. I first heard of the Australian company on Dragons Den when it secured an investment from Kelly Hoppen and Piers Linney. The creators claimed it was the first self-tanner that combines a natural tanning active with naturally derived skin smoothing actives. In addition to the fact it’s vegan and cruelty-free. Following the initial bit of publicity on the show, I didn’t hear any more news on the brand until a few months ago when they began to constantly pop-up on my Facebook feed with 50% off flash sales. Eventually, I decided to treat myself to a Skinny Tan kit to find out if the products really do stand-up to their bold claims.
The delivery of my Skinny Tan kit was prompt and I was pleased to see that the packaging was white with pops of summer colours. The instructions for application were written in a simple and conversational manner, which I thought was as refreshing as their visual appeal.
Inside the kit you will find:
- Gradual Tanner
- 7 Day Tanner
- After Glow Gloss
- Roller Applicator
- Exfoliating Prep Mitt
- Face Mitt
I decided to try the Gradual Tanner first as it would be the least permanent should I turn a shade of orange. The instructions recommend that you apply the tan daily and use it a normal moisturiser. I think this is down to personal preference though based on the shade that you would like to build-up. I’m fair skinned and prefer to just have a subtle glow rather than look like I’ve just spent two weeks in the Caribbean. The option to apply the gradual tanner daily is there though if you do prefer a stronger shade.
Ethos
- Member of PETA
- Cruelty free
- Vegan
How is it natural?
According to Skinny Tan’s website, “Most ordinary tanners work with a chemical form of DHA that has been found to dry and damage the skin and often smells unpleasant. Skinny Tan is one of the first self-tanners to use a natural tanning active derived from the seeds of the Brassica napus plant.”
Product in Action
Following the instructions provided on the Exfoliating Prep Mitt, I first showered and gently scrubbed my whole body with the orange side of the mitt. The brown side is to be used to remove existing tan. A top tip for exfoliating is to work from your feet upwards, using long strokes and constantly working towards the heart. Through normally exfoliating with a dry natural bristle body brush, I know this is the best way to improve circulation which in turn helps to reduce cellulite. I’ll explain more of the benefits of dry body brushing in a future post.
Once you’re thoroughly scrubbed from head to toe, simply dry yourself and get ready to apply the gradual tanner. You may choose to use the Roller Applicator and Face Mitt to do this, however, I just used my hands, thoroughly cleaning my palms and fingers afterward. If I was applying the 7 Day Tanner then I would be more inclined to use these.
The tanner is like a very thick, white sun lotion. You do really need to work it into your skin. The smell is bliss though, lovely and coconutty without a hint of the usual biscuit aroma that you find with most tanners. I let it sink into my skin for five minutes before getting dressed. The instructions recommend that you let the cream set for at least five hours or preferably overnight.
Results
Performance Rating 5/5
These are the results the following morning. I love the colour, it gives you a subtle glow that’s even all over – including the awkward areas like elbows and ankles. The cream left my whole body silky smooth and well moisturised with no allergic reactions. If you do have sensitive skin, like myself, then I would recommend that you carry out a patch test first as everyone’s sensitivities are different. I’m really pleased with this product, hence the 5 out of 5 rating. This will definitely help my pasty legs get through spring and summer once the weather starts to heat up.
What’s Inside:
- Purified Water (Aqua)
- Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
- Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Dihydroxyacetone (certified natural)
- Sorbitan Stearate
- Peg-40 Stearate
- Glycerin
- Paullinia Cupana (Guarana) Seed Extract
- Benzyl Alcohol
- Dehydroacetic Acid
- Sodium Citrate
- Hydroxyethylcellulose
- Parfum
- Citric Acid
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
- Coumarin
Bare Spirit 